Ageing drivers' mental workload in real-time driving tasks based on subjective and objective measures
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2021
Abstract
The ageing drivers' population is increasing rapidly, and they are exposed to disabilities due to degenerative processes, thus affecting their driving performance. The main objective of this study is to determine the mental workload of ageing drivers, while the second objective is to compare the mental workload between ageing drivers and control group. The methodology consisted of on-the-road experimental driving tasks that comprised three levels of situation complexity. The NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and electroencephalogram (EEG) were measured on 30 drivers. The NASA-TLX scores revealed that the ageing drivers' mean physical demand score was the highest compared to others in moderately complex situation and very complex situation, scoring 37.25 and 43.50, respectively. Meanwhile, for electroencephalogram signals' fluctuation, results showed that situation complexity had significant effects on RP theta and RP alpha of channel locations FZPZ and O1O2. There was a significant difference in the weighted workload scores for the ageing drivers and control group in simple situation, while there was no significant difference found in RP theta and RP alpha bands at all channel locations. The findings would be beneficial as a guideline for designers, manufacturers, developers, and policy makers in designing better driving environment for ageing drivers.
Keywords
Ageing drivers, Mental workload, NASA-TLX, Electroencephalogram
Divisions
fac_eng
Publication Title
Journal of Engineering Research
Volume
9
Issue
3B
Publisher
Academic Publication Council
Publisher Location
PO BOX 17225, KHALDIYA 72453, KUWAIT